Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is hoping to see the majority of his squad in action in the club's first pre-season clash against Crewe next week by playing two sixty-minute halves.
The game will take place at the Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate campus near York on Tuesday, and Bruce is hoping that Railwaymen boss David Artell agrees to play a longer game than usual.
Speaking to NUFC TV, Bruce said: "We tossed and turned [and asked ourselves] do we play 11 v 11 in the training ground but then we decided to play and give every player at least 50-55 mins.
"I'm going to phone the Crewe manager in a few days to check he's alright with it, so we'll play 11 for the best of an hour, and another 11 for another hour."
Bruce has overseen the training camp this week putting his players through some gruelling fitness work ahead of the new campaign which will kick-off against West Ham on September 12.
He has seen the return to training of Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lacelles and Ciaran Clark - all who finished last season in the treatment room.
Bruce is hoping the players make it through the week without any trouble: "If they can a get a good week under their belt - the important thing is that we stay injury-free.
"That's critical to us especially with the three or four who are joining in with us now.
"So let's get a week's work under our belt and get prepared physically and mentally for what will be a big challenge.
"Before we know it, the Premier League is upon us so it's all to play for."
